Ilha Grande Brazil

Ilha Grande is a tropical island with 193 square kilometers of rain forest, with spectacular beaches, walking trails and without motorized vehicles. For nature lovers and anyone seeking a slow-paced beach holiday, this island along Rio de Janeiro’s Green Coast is one of Brazil’s great treasures. Ilha Grande’s isolated setting, along with its history as a leper colony and prison, kept development at bay for centuries. Then in 1971, much of the island was officially enshrined as a state park. Today human habitation remains limited to a handful of fishing villages and the main port of Vila do Abraão. Easily reachable in four hours from Rio de Janeiro, it has become one of Brazil’s most popular ecotourism destinations, suitable for everything from an overnight break to a two-week hiking adventure.

When it comes to picturesque beaches, few places offer such rich beauty. There are more than 100 beaches on the island, each accessible only by foot or boat. The most famous is Praia Lopes Mendes, a 3km crescent of fine white sand backed by palm trees and wave-sculpted rocks. Facing the open Atlantic, it’s perfect for surfing, with rental boards available onsite. For Ilha Grande’s other swimming and water sports hot spots, walk the short trail east of Abraão to the pretty coves of Júlia, Crena and Abraãozinho, popular with kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders, or hop aboard a round-the-island boat tour. All-day tours stop at seven or eight beaches including Caxadaço, with its giant rock outcroppings; Parnaioca, a long expanse of sand peppered with local fishermen’s houses; Aventureiro, in the Praia do Sul biological reserve at the island’s remote southwestern corner; and the sparkling blue-green lagoons of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.

Weather (When to Go)

Ilha Grande can be visited all year round, but the best times are from March thru June, and from August thru October. During these times the weather will be clear, beautiful with a pleasant temperature. These are great seasons to visit the Island. The tranquility provided by the weather and the reduced number of visitors make the Island an exclusive paradise. Sunny days are frequent on Ilha Grande, and rainfall usually occurs in the months of November, December and January, but they are sparse and occasional. In winter, the rains are rare and the climate is very pleasant, which despite the lower temperatures, do not detract from the walks and the beach.

Entry Requirements

Immigration and customs formalities are fairly straightforward, though you’ll want to be sure to have your visa in order if you’re from a country (like the USA, Canada or Australia) that needs it. Brazil has a reciprocal visa system, so if your home country requires Brazilian nationals to secure a visa, then you’ll need one to enter Brazil. US, Canadian and Australian citizens need visas, but UK, New Zealand, French and German citizens do not. You can check your status with the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country. If you do need a visa, arrange it well in advance. Visas are not issued on arrival; and you won’t be permitted into the country without one. Applying for a visa got easier in 2018, however, when Brazil rolled out its new e-visa system, which is available to citizens from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan. The application fee is US$40, plus an online service fee of US$4.25. The service is valid for both tourists and business travelers.

Getting to Ilha Grande

To reach Ilha Grande you first travel by road, either to Mangaratiba, Conceição de Jacareí, or Angra dos Reis, and then by ferry, private schooner, or water taxi over to the island. Which point you depart from depends on where you’re staying. If you’re staying in or near the village of Abraão, then Conceição de Jacareí is probably the best bet, as the private schooner Saveiro Andéa offers four departures daily (six on Fri) and the trip is only 50 minutes. A large public ferry also travels from Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis to Abraão on Ilha Grande. From Mangaratiba the ferry departs at 8am, while Angra dos Reis has an afternoon departure, either 3:30pm (weekdays) or 1:30pm (weekends). Angra is the larger town, the only one of three with banks and other services. Angra also has a number of private water taxis which offer transfers to pousadas spread out on the island. If you’re staying in a pousada on the western half of the island, the water taxi likely departs from Angra.

Ilha Grande Attractions (Their Beaches of Course!)

Aventureiro Beach

This amazing beach has hardly changed the last few decades. The area has no commercial activities nor hotels – just a 1,967 feet stretch of white sand framed by rows of palm trees and a turquoise sea. It is instantly recognizable for the L-shaped palm tree that hangs over the shore. It can only be accessed by boat, a fact that protects the shoreline and keeps it in pristine condition.

Lopes Mendes Beach

Often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Lopes Mendes is a 2 mile stretch of white, fine sand that is fringed with wild vegetation and forests. The shallow crystal clear water is ideal for bathing and the waves further out make a perfect spot for surfers. To get there, take a boat from Abraão, the main town on the island, to Pouso. From there, it’s a 20-minute jungle trek before arriving on the gorgeous shores of Lopes Mendes.

Dois Rios Beach

The yellow sands and blue-green waters of the Dois Rios beach makes for a pleasant setting for an afternoon of working on getting that sun-kissed glow. Either side of the beach is flanked by a river that runs into the ocean and gives the beach its name of Dois Rios, which translates to Two Rivers. The nearby mangroves that grow in the freshwater of the rivers create a thriving marine ecosystem that is best explored snorkeling.

Santo Antonio Beach

With similar characteristics to Lopes Mendes yet without the high-status name, Santo Antonio is ideal for those looking for a stunning beach setting without the tourist crowds. It’s smaller than Lopes Mendes and the surrounding vegetation seems to close in around the beach, creating a wild, untouched feel. It’s a great spot for surfing – just be wary of the rocks that sit just out of sight from the water’s surface. To get there, follow the same route as you would to Lopes Mendes, yet turn right on the forest trek rather than continue straight on. The path is well-signposted so just keep an eye out for the directions.

Paranaioca Beach

Now an isolated beach free from human development, Paranaioca was once the home to a thriving slave community that built homes, shops and a church in the area. Nowadays, the 1 kilometre (0.62 mile)-long beach is a natural retreat with no electricity and no hotels nearby. However, it still remains a popular spot on the island due to its serene settings and stunning surroundings. To get to the white sandy shores of Paranaioca, you need to take a boat from Abraão or take the two and a half hour long trek through the forest.

Things to Do in Ilha Grande

Adventure Boat

If you are looking for a trip with a lot of adrenaline but also confort and safe, Adventure Boat is your best choice in Ilha Grande. We have the best tours and the newest boats. For more information call +55 21 99551-0555, or visit them on the web at Adventure Boat.

Elite Dive Center

Resort PADI 5 star Operator and diving School located in Vila do Abraao, Ilha Grande. They have daily trips for certified divers and discovery dive! They offer PADI courses from Open Water to Dive Master, with accredited instructors. They work with covered boat, cabin with bathroom, solarium, sound, fresh water shower all structured for the dive operation, for optimum comfort and safety! You can even hire the underwater photography service to record incredible moments. For more information call +55 24 99936 4181, or visit them on the web at Elite Dive Center.

Dive & Cia

They are a company specialized in aquatic services, operating scuba diving all over Ilha Grande coast since 2004. So much experience and passion for the Island has led them to offer boat tours and underwater services. Currently they have 4 own boats to guarantee greater comfort and safety for customers. They have a young and efficient team that always works to offer the best satisfaction so that clients can live the best experience Ilha Grande can offer. For more information call +55 24 3361-5010, or visit them on the web at Dive & Cia.

LiG Lanchas

LIG (Lanchas Ilha Grande) is a boat rental company that tours throughout the region of Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis. Their boats hold up to 15 people and are super comfortable, equipped with refrigerator, sound, fresh water and much more for your comfort, leisure and safety. For more information call +55 24 99836 5302, or visit them on the web at LiG Lanchas.

Aquamarina Mergulho

Suitable for divers training in PADI certification, having owner with more than 30 years of experience. They offer daily departures all year long, needing only 2 divers, or baptisms to leave. They have dives for groups and tours as well. Their boat is adapted for diving, with cabin, bathroom, kitchen, deck and 2 ladders, taking comfort for up to 22 divers. In outings, leisure is fundamental. They do everything quietly, without the rush often found in the dive market. For more information call +55 55 24 99812-9343, or visit them on the web at Aquamarina Mergulho.

Best Ilha Grande Restaurants

$-Inexpensive $$-Moderate $$$-Pricey $$$$-Ultra High End

$$ – $$$ Las Sorrentinas

Superb homemade sorrentinos (ravioli-like stuffed pasta pockets) are the specialty at this breezy Argentine-run upstairs restaurant. Fillings range from gorgonzola, walnuts and mozzarella to ham, cheese and basil, accompanied by your choice of sauces. The place wins extra points for its friendly service and potent caipirinhas. For more information call +55 24 3361-5063, or visit them on the web at Las Sorrentinas.

$$ – $$$ Dom Mário

This popular restaurant doesn’t hold back on portion sizes, serving up huge amounts for reasonable prices. The chef is locally known for his tender fish fillets and seafood dishes, yet the meat-sharing options are not to be sniffed at. The mix of a casual setting and potent caipirinhas set the scene for a fun, relaxed night. Save room for the scrumptious desserts, including his trademark caramelized bananas. For more information call +55 24 3361-5349, or visit them on the web on TripAdvisor at Dom Mario.

$$ – $$$ Cafe do Mar

This candlelit beach bar and lounge is perfect for sundown cocktails, with reasonably priced (by Ilha Grande standards!) pratos do dia (daily specials) and frequent barbecue nights. The bar-meets-lounge sets a peaceful scene, making it just as popular among groups of tourists as solo travelers who can enjoy some time out reading a book. The food comes in huge portions, a typical style of the island where businesses are run by close-knit families or groups. It’s also known for its potent caipirinhas that are flawlessly blended with a range of different fruits. For more information call +55 24 3361-9446, or visit them on the web at Cafe do Mar.

$$ – $$$ O Pescador

The Italian-run Pescador is one of the island’s best choices for a fancy beachfront dinner, with mean caipirinhas, authentic Italian risotto and Mediterranean-style fish, meat and poultry dishes such as the grigliata mista al salmoriglio (fish and shrimp grilled with olive oil, lemon juice and oregano). For more information call, +55 24 3361-5114 or visit them on the web at O Pescador.

$$$ The Secret

Every evening, Argentine expats Cris and Nel invite up to 10 pre-reserved guests into their secret garden in Abraão village for wonderful home-cooked dinners accompanied by chilled-out music and convivial conversation. Contact them via WhatsApp to check out the nightly changing offerings (typically Mediterranean, South American or vegetarian), reserve a time, get directions and learn the secret (shh!) password. For more information call +55 24 99921-1124, or visit them on the web at The Secret.

Best Ilha Grande Bars

Coruja Empanadas

Best drinks, bar staff, music and empanadas on the island! For more information call +55 24 99902-9168, or visit them on the web at Coruja Empanadas.

Biergarten Bar E Restaurante

This is the bar which is behind the restaurant and at the entrance to the hostel. The bartender is great and service minded. The caprinhas are great. Nice little place to hang out. They have a tv with soccer on as well. For more information call +55 24 3361-5583, or visit them on TripAdvisor at Biergarten Bar E Restaurante.

Restaurante Morango de Palmas

Idyllic spot to relax away from the crowds. For more information call +55 21 97268-4239, or visit them on the web at Restaurant Morango de Palmas.

Best Ilha Grande Hotels

Bonito Paraiso Ilha Grande – Bed & Breakfast

Situated in Ilha Grande, right at Abraãozinho Beach, Bonito Paraiso Ilha Grande features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Certain units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. All rooms come with a private bathroom and sea views. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. You will find concierge service at the property. You can engage in various activities, such as snorkeling and hiking. Abraão is 1.8 km from Bonito Paraiso Ilha Grande. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Bonito Paraiso Ilha Grande.

Suites Encanto do Pai – Bed & Breakfast

Boasting sea views, Suítes Encanto do Pai is set in Praia de Araçatiba, 700 metres from Bananal Bay. The accommodation features free WiFi. The bed and breakfast has a flat-screen TV. A continental or buffet breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Staff at the reception can assist guests at any time of the day. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Suites Encanto do Pai.

Pitanga Ilha Grande Cama e Café – Bed & Breakfast

Pitanga Ilha Grande Cama e Café is located in Ilha Grande, only 200 metres from Abrahao Beach. Free WiFi access is available, as well as a well-kept garden. Each room here will provide you with a TV and a minibar. Private bathroom also comes with a shower. Extras include bed linen. The guest house is 400 metres from Sain’t Sebastian Church, 1.1 km from City Harbor and 4.7 km from Lopes Mendes Beach. Downtown Rio de Janeiro is 100 km away. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Pitanga Ilha Grande Cama e Cafe.

Pousada Cibeles – Bed & Breakfast

Pousada Cibeles is located in Praia de Araçatiba. Built in 2014, the property is within 9 km of Bananal Bay. All rooms include a patio with sea views and free WiFi. At the hotel, the rooms have a wardrobe. At Pousada Cibeles each room has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Speaking English, Spanish and Portuguese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Pousada Cibeles.

Casa 4 Estações – Vacation Home

Situated in Abraão, 300 meters from Sain’t Sebastian Church and 1.2 km from City Harbor, Casa 4 Estações provides accommodation with amenities such as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. This holiday home is 10 km from Lopes Mendes Beach. Offering direct access to a terrace with sea views, the air-conditioned holiday home consists of 1 bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Casa 4 Estações.

Casa inteira Ilha Grande – Vacation Home

One of our bestsellers in Abraão! This property is 5 minutes walk from the beach. Featuring accommodation with a patio, Casa inteira Ilha Grande is located in Abraão. Guests staying at this holiday home have access to free WiFi. The holiday home is equipped with a flat-screen TV and 1 bedroom. The holiday home also has a kitchen, a seating area, as well as a bathroom with a bidet and a shower. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Casa inteira Ilha Grande.

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32 Comments

Chrissie SpurgeonNovember 24, 2018 at 1:45 pm

Hi Leahrae

Your photos of Ilha Grande are stunning! Just looking at them on a cold rainy day makes me long for the sun!

You suggest that visitors travel by road, but please could you tell me where the nearest airport is, as I would be travelling from the UK? I guess that I would then need to hire a car – have you any idea how much that would cost?

I would really like to know what the average temperature is in Ilha Grande please? Living in a colder part of the northern hemisphere, I am not really comfortable at temperatures much above 30 degrees, so when would you think was the best time for me to visit?

Ilha Grande is beautiful. You will most likely fly into Rio de Janeiro, and then ferry to the island. If you want milder temperatures, then visit between October thru December as it will still be pleasant, between 20°C and 27°C. It is a small island, and no vehicles are allowed. Please let me know if you have any other questions Chrissie, and thanks for visiting Ilha Grande Brazil.

Thank you for the wonderful post on Ilha Grande… The cold rain on Vancouver Island has me dreaming of a tropical get away! Your review suggests that this is not the time however to go there. Can you suggest what I could expect for rainfall, temperature and likely hood of tropical storm (hurricane) this time of year? I have never been to Brazil but it is on my to-go-to list. I have heard some scary stories about Rio Janeiro that would have excited me as a young traveller, but as I age I am more concerned about things like this. Are you aware of any concerns to look out for?

The weather is pleasant this time of year, but you have a 50% or better chance of daily rain. Ilha Grande has an average temperature of 84°F (29°C), but this time of year it will be slightly cooler, but not much. The likelihood of a hurricane or tropical storm now it pretty much non-existent as this season is over. Ilha Grande is very safe and you will not have any problems on the island. I hope I answered all of your questions. Please let me know if you need anything else.

IIha Grande Brazil, Flexible in their package deal is really great for all the people love to travel.I love the lay out of the website. I`m Impressed,It`s a the best refuge from home,there is luxury,there is fantasy,Pure comfort and Reassurance.Great site, All you need to know before you travel are all there,WOW…

These beach photos are really beautiful and very inviting. Brazil looks like an ideal place for a holiday. I especially like the information about the restaurants. Dom Mario seems to be my favourite with the generous portion of fish and seafood dishes. Also, I would like to have the fancy beach front dinner.

After looking at the first picture, I have to say wow. This area of Brazil is a magnificent place for vacation. The Dive & Cia caught my attention because I am big fan of scuba diving. Having the chance to dive into that crystal blue water and seeing all of the marine life sounds like a good time. There is so much to see and do here. Thank you for sharing, you have convinced me to take a vacation here.

This is what i really need, rain forests with spectacular beaches walking trails and without motorized vehicles. When it comes to picturesque beaches, few places offer such rich beauty i like that, as we need that peace of mind at times to bond with nature. The fact that you can visit all round the year is a bonus, about the visa i don’t have to worry about that as I am based in the UK.

Thank you so much for you very informative site will be looking at booking a holiday to Ilha Grande Brazil, as i have been looking for somewhere to go and chill out so to be part of nature.

I was doing to research on where to head for our next family vacation and I think I just found my spot. I didn’t realise that this Island has no motor vehicles that is great for a relaxing atmosphere, you really don’t think about all the noise that vehicles make when your around them all the time but when your in an area that has no motor vehicles it can be super peaceful. Thanks for the recommended places to stay!

Oh my goodness those beaches look absolutely amazing! I would love to visit – my husband is Portuguese so he’ll mostly be able to communicate with the locals, which would make travelling there easier. We have two kids under 5 – would you say that Ilha Grande is a family friendly holiday destination?

I would say that Ilha Grande is very family friendly. They will really enjoy the nature, wildlife, playing at the beach, and in the water. You and your family will have a great time! Thanks for visiting Ilha Grande Brazil.

I am convinced that our next holiday will be in Brazil. It sounds beautiful and peaceful. I live in the Arizona desert, and a little “beach time” is what I need. I have visited beaches in Australia, Hawaii, Mexico and Trinidad; but I did not know of the Brazillian beaches. Thanks so much for the wonderful tour.

Thank you for sharing with us this review on Ilha Grande Brazil-Beach Travel Destination.It is amazing place for people who need to relax and enjoy the vacancy.The place looks peaceful and attractive so that I wish I could visit this place one day.

The View is incredible and I bet many people dream to visit this place after reading this post.

I am glad you enjoyed 🙂 You can walk, bike or even use a golf cart 🙂 It is not big, so no worries. I love the fact that there is no vehicles. Makes it so peaceful. Thanks for visiting Ilha Grande Brazil.

This is a great place to vacation any time of year .However they say if you want to avoid the rainy season .Better to come in may or june.The beaches are beautiful and lots of adventure as there are different ways to reach the beaches.I might consider a vacation here in the future.

You are very welcome Barry. The bed and breakfast is a great choice in Ilha Grande and you will have a wonderful time. Please let me know if you need any additional information and thanks for stopping by.

Oh my goodness after reading your article I can not wait to go to see Brazil,it is beautiful and breathtaking. Have you been yourself? i like the Pousada Cibeles – Bed & Breakfast . I am putting this one n my bucket list as I plan on doing a lot of traveling next year.

It’s wonderful to see there are still places in the world that haven’t been ruined by humans. This is about as unspoiled and close to nature as it gets. There are hardly any beaches left in the world that aren’t commercialized in some way or another, and lets hope that this destination stays this way for years to come.

I love that you have included a section on things to do on the island, as many people like to have this as a reference before visiting a destination. Personally I would love to take a boat tour.

A boat tour is a great idea here. And you are right, there are very few places as unspoiled as Ilha Grande Brazil. I love that there are no cars, so peaceful and relaxing to me. I think just having a bicycle to tour around is perfect!

Wow! What a thorough article! I love the photos and the video! It really makes me want to go. I want to go!! Would you be able to suggest a 7-day tour of the island? With activities and restaurants? For example, what would YOU do if you could spend 7 days doing whatever you want there? Thanks!!

Thanks Nathalie! If I had a week, I would visit, do and eat at all my recommendations. Those are my top choices, therefore exactly what I would do for my week in Ilha Grande Brazil 🙂 I would make sure I have a bicycle to rent for the week, so no worries on getting around the island.